Customer Reviews

Ole Ole

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've liked this album a lot since I got it two years ago. My favorites are "Comme Un Chien" and "Zaama". The album has some really interesting rhythms and mixtures of sounds and instruments and vocals, so it's not for everyone. The lyrics are unintelligible if you only know English. It's not what usually passes for "World Music" because it's very Western/contemporary (while still having a distinctly Middle Eastern flavor). The legendary Steve Hillage's contributions as producer really show through, and I'm sure his involvement is a sign of his belief in Rachid's innate talent, which is obvious from the music. Anyway, I think most of this CD will stand up quite well over time. Kind of surprised to see only one other review here. 4 1/2 stars.

Ole, Ole was the first album by Rachid Taha that I bought after hearing one track in a local Middle Eastern hotspot. I immediately had to know who it was! I have played this album over and over. My two favorite songs are Valencia and Kelma and I can't sit still when I hear them. I love Rachid Taha's gravelly voice and interesting lyrics.. paired with the mix of new and old in hip hop and traditional Middle Eastern instruments, it makes for great listening. Jungle Fiction will amuse anyone familiar with Miserlou (the old Greek song made popular by surf guitar). I'd like to see more "Sharqi Rock" or "Sharqi Hip Hop" come out and get more airplay. It might follow the same trend here in the US as Flamenco fusion music has recently and do very well. As well as opening up a whole new world of great music for Americans.

Brilliant CD, great music and inspiritianal.... Compare Taha's 'KELMA' with track 8 'MIGRA' on Carlos Santana's new album and apart from Santana's guitar & the vocals it's a perfect copy! Taha's music is that good, even Santana 'borrows' it.